Of Tacos. . . and Dolphins - edited

Last night, while eating her dinner, Caroline announced:

"Mommy? I like tacos. . . .and dolphins!" Clearly, there is no correct response to such a declaration. (laughing doesn't count)

We are enjoying a day at home -- together. She has a 1-day "Fall Break" this weekend. Edison is probably on his way to Nashville, as I type, for his final football game of the season. We're all ready for football to be a thing of the past.

Tomorrow holds a Fall Harvest Party for the Down syndrome group. I am scrambling (literally) go come up with a costume for Caroline. I may have nailed down a ballerina costume from all of her "stuff" but I have to check on some slippers/toe shoes. (Hello? Target?!?!)

I'm not a huge fan of Halloween. I endure it - mainly for the mini Baby Ruth bars. I'm not one of those dedicated Moms who goes out and buys foam, fabric, stuffing, and 17 pounds of glitter for costumes. It's probably hereditary. My mom settled for the "Cinderella" costumes with the acetate/nylon dresses and the "make sure the eyeholes are lined up" masks that got all moist and sweaty inside while you trick-or-treated.

Edison has been a baseball player, Batman, and other various costumes. I think I purchased the Batman costume--and swore I'd never do that again.

Caroline has been Cinderella (purchased -- what can I say? I had a girl) She has also been a pumpkin and a UT cheerleader. (The last was my personal favorite)

Like I said, I'm going for the easiest (cheapest) costume I can find this year -- and the one hitch? It's supposed to be a storybook character for her school costume day next Friday. So, we may have to find a ballerina book to justify her costume. (Yeah, like that's gonna happen)

Otherwise today. . . let's see. I've got a pork roast in the oven, with two loaves of pumpkin bread. My house smells HEAVENLY right now. After the bread is finished, I'll put in a potato casserole. We're making dinner for a friend who broke her arm last week. Not sure what we are having for dinner, but the McRary's should be eating well tonight (if I can say so myself!)

Tonight, I'm going to revel in a night at home. No meetings. No games. No kids (after 8 p.m.). I have a few projects I'm trying to finish up -- so I hope to get them "launched" and completed tonight.

After our party tomorrow, I hope to do a little more relaxing and crafting. Who knows? I might even get back into that scrapbooking room, and try to pick up where I left off four months ago.

Then, on Sunday. . . . oh man, Sunday! I am so excited. My alma mater is having Homecoming this weekend. It's not one of my "monumental" years (20, 25, 30. . .shudder!) so, I'm not going over for the festivities. It's my Dad's 20th reunion -- so he and Mom are going over on Saturday. But, on Sunday afternoon, one of my favorite people from my college years - seriously - is coming for a visit on his way back to Illinois. I haven't seen Doug in over 20 years, so we have tons to catch up on. (However, Facebook has helped us make up for a lot of lost time) He's excited to meet Edison & Caroline (and Mark, of course) and I'm just looking forward to laughing and catching up with someone I love so much.

So, we're looking at quite the weekend. I can't wait -- but what scares me is that it will be over in a flash! Here's hoping it slows down long enough to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells.

. . .and, of course, the dolphins & tacos!


Edited to add: Melinda reminded me about Angelina Ballerina. After checking the "inventory" in Caroline's dresser/closet -- we are going with ballerina! :)